IT was World Environment Day on Saturday and there is plenty of work to be done to improve the environment.

We all know that we can all make a difference to the future of our planet and World Environment Day shines a light on this.

The theme of World Environment Day is Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.

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There is a focus on the restoration of ecosystems.

In Port Stephens and on the Myall we have plenty of people doing their bit to help our environment.

Landcare Groups regenerate and weed areas such as the Bagnalls Beach Bushland and Mambo Wetlands.

Individuals collect rubbish as they walk and the Take 3 For The Sea movement has gained significant traction.

Sea Shelter volunteers conduct dives and general clean-ups which remove rubbish from Marinas and Mangroves.

Clean-up Australia Day is viral throughout the region.

Supermarkets like Woolworths have moved from plastic toys in plastic wrappers to seeds in biodegradable packaging.

Locals both in Port Stephens and in the Myall were proactive after the devastation wreaked on our beaches by the YM Efficiency.

However we can do more, we need to look at how we use what we use and reimagine how we do this.

Plogging is also a thing – it is jogging and walking while collecting litter, it started in Sweden and has taken off around Australia.

Plastic Free Port Stephens Founder Alicia Cameron is looking at a raft of options to reimagine how we use things, from creating reusable resources for events to recycling and removing plastic drink bottles by offering reusable aluminium ones.

Alicia Cameron told News Of The Area, “Green Caffeen with its reusable coffee cups are now in 23 cafes around Port Stephens.”

Green Cafeen has addressed the issue of keeper cups not being COVID-19 safe while removing disposable coffee cups from the environment.

Green Cafeen uses an app to track cups and even makes getting your coffee more convenient while being part of a circular economy.

Perhaps now is the time to reflect on what you will do before World Environment Day 2022 to make a difference by reimagining, recreating and restoring.

By Marian SAMPSON